Long Distance Relationship Survival Guide

Following these few simple tips can make sure that your long-distance relationship works out and will help keep you both sane whilst you're apart:

1. Trust in Each Other

Distance easily breeds insecurity; if you don't absolutely trust each other, you'll waste too much time and energy thinking about how simple it would be for the other person to cheat. In order for you to survive your time apart, it's essential that you learn to trust your partner whole heartedly; there is no room for suspicion in a long distance relationship.

Although this may be easier said than done, there really is no need for you to create such unnecessary stress in the relationship. After all, if your partner is likely to be unfaithful to you, they will probably do it whether they are living 5 miles or 5,000 miles away. Don't immediately assume the worst because your partner is making new friends, or going out and finding new hobbies.

2. Keep in Touch

Frequent communication is an essential element of long-distance relationships. Keep in touch daily if possible, even if it can only be a quick text message sometimes. The Internet allows us to keep in touch quickly and cheaply with e-mails, instant messaging and webcams, so you don't have to run up a huge bill on long-distance phone calls. However, don't ignore the traditional post. Receiving a personal, handwritten letter is rare nowadays and can be a wonderful surprise.

3. Keep Up To Date

Keep your partner informed about your life. Although you may live separately, sharing information about your activities and friends is still important. Don't think that your conversation has to be confined to discussing just the major things in life; sometimes the everyday details are just as important, so that you both feel included in each other's life.

4. Make Plans

Plan reunions to keep both of you excited about the relationship. Having a date to look forward to can help you through the difficult times.

5. Keep Busy

Get involved in other activities. Join a gym, devote your time to a hobby, enrol in evening classes, get involved in the community - anything! If you can fill the time you would normally be spending with your partner with fun and interesting activities then the whole process of being apart will become much easier and more fulfilling. You'll also have more interesting things to chat about when you catch up.

6. Communicate Your Feelings

Never assume that the relationship is thriving; make it a priority to regularly reaffirm your commitment and love to one another. Listen to your partner's concerns and communicate your own before they become bigger problems. Letting them know that you are frustrated because you miss them is better than pretending everything is OK and leading your partner to believe that as well. Being honest is as important as if you were seeing each other each day.

7. Keep a Sense of Humour

When your major form of communication is e-mail, phone or instant messenger, it can be easy to misunderstand or misinterpret your partner's words or actions. Remember that as useful of these methods of communication are, they do often lack the clarity of intent that can be gained from having a face-to-face conversation. Don't immediately jump to the wrong conclusion; keep a sense of humour with your partner, so that you are able to share in and laugh at any mix-ups and miscommunications together.